Breaking News
Foreshore focus
Jessica Clement
Thursday 15 May, 2008 12:01am
A MORATORIUM on new private jetties, seawalls and slipways could be adopted under a Lake Macquarie Council plan to preserve the lake foreshore.
The Council's Integrated Foreshore Management Plan, which is still under consideration, recommended that while the plan is being formulated construction of all foreshore structures be halted.
The plan suggested that, once it is officially adopted, the council only consider the construction of jetties if they are "community or cooperatively based" to serve several properties.
Mayor Greg Piper said many jetties did not meet planning criteria.
"The environmental question of jetties needs some examination," Cr Piper said. "There are some benefits (to jetties), but the big consideration for council should be in relation to private and public safety."
The plan was formulated after council officers analysed a pilot area from South Creek, Eleebana to Valentine over the past 12 months. It will now be assessed by the Lake Macquarie Aquatic Services Committee and the wider community.
A University of Newcastle report outlining the dire impact jetties had on seagrass levels in the lake affected council's decision to clamp down on illegal structures on the foreshore.
Other areas of concern to be addressed by the plan include the effectiveness of foreshore building lines, limitations on public access to the forshore due to physical obstacles, and unauthorised foreshore reclaimation.
